CMI level 5
Diploma in Management
and Leadership

Reflective practice is an essential management tool which supports the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours in the work place. By consciously analysing own performance, decision making, leadership and management skills (in different situational contexts); opportunities for on-going development can be identified. The aim of the unit is to equip learners with the understanding of the value of reflective practice, and how reflection can be used as the basis of a meaningful personal and professional development.

Being equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to manage and lead in a variety of organisational settings is essential if an individual and their organisation are to succeed. This unit has been designed for learners who want to develop or sharpen their professional edge and enhance personal effectiveness. Learners will evaluate the impact of an organisations structure and governance on management and leadership. They will explore theoretical models, management and leadership styles and approaches designed to promote a culture of mutual trust, respect and support.

The ability to lead individuals and teams to success is arguably the most important skill a manager can possess. This unit focuses on the essential management and leadership skills required to fulfil this challenging but rewarding role. The unit opens by focusing on the theoretical and practical approaches to developing, leading, and managing teams (remote or multi-disciplinary). The manager will look at techniques to assess current and future team capabilities, including the role of recruitment, selection and staff development which supports this. On successful completion of the unit, the manager will not only know the principles of managing individuals and teams, but they will understand approaches for supporting, motivating and inspiring teams and individuals to exceed expectations.

Good relationships, whether they are with customers, suppliers, partners or staff, are a key contributor to an organisation’s success. To build stakeholder relationships that are long lasting and sustainable, they need to be planned and developed. This unit explores the types and purposes of stakeholder relationships and the skills required to overcome challenges and manage these effectively.

Financial management skills are essential for all managers regardless of whether there is a dedicated finance team within an organisation. Financial acumen enhances decision making skills, which in turn supports management of projects, tasks and functional areas. This unit has been designed to enable learners to understand how financial systems within organisations operate. Learners will evaluate the sources of finance for organisations, and understand the principles for setting and managing budgets in line with regulatory and organisational guidelines. This unit has been designed to enhance the learner’s confidence and credibility in financial management, which will translate into improved management skills.

The ability to translate organisational objectives into operational plans is an essential management skill. The unit opens with the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the organisation and how to contribute to the strategic planning process. It then focuses on the knowledge and skills required to create and deliver operational plans. This includes the need to set key performance indicators, monitor quality and outcomes against the plan, and know how to effectively report on findings.

Budgets and resources are crucial to the functioning of any organisation. Organisations need to plan and manage money and resources to remain operational. The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge that they need to manage budgets and other resources. This allows them to remain efficient and effective.

Change is inevitable if an organisation is to maintain competitiveness and currency of practice. This unit has been designed to enable the learner to evaluate types and reasons for change within organisations and be able to select and apply theoretical models for its management. The purpose is not only to enable learners to develop the skills to manage change and achieve set objectives, but to do so in a professional manner with open and honest communication throughout the entire process.